Countdown to Cinco de Mayo 2017: Day 2 – Loaded Nachos

by Tony Winders April 24, 2017

*Loaded Nachos Recipe & Photos Courtesy of The Pioneer Woman

 

No Cinco de Mayo party can go without one of the best appetizers in the world: nachos!

Whether you're a carnivore, swear by the vegan lifestyle or fall somewhere in between, you can agree with us that there's nothing better in satisfying your snack urges than an awesome plate of nachos- especially when it's loaded with tasty add-ons.

Take a look at one of our favorite loaded nacho recipes below and let us know if you'll be preparing this on CDM...we definitely will! 

 

INGREDIENTS*

• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 whole Yellow Onion, Diced
• 2 pounds Ground Beef (carnivores only)
• 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper (*ahem* Fuegorita time!!!)
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
• 1 can (14-5 Ounce) Pinto Beans, Chili Beans, Or Ranch Style Beans
• 1/2 cup Hot Water
• Tortilla Chips
• 1-1/2 cup Grated Cheddar Cheese
• 1-1/2 cup Monterey Jack Cheese
• 6 whole Roma Tomatoes, Diced
• 1 whole Jalapeno, Diced Finely
• 1/2 bunch Cilantro Leaves, Chopped
• Juice Of 1 Lime
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 whole Avocado, Pitted And Diced
• Sour Cream (optional)

 

DIRECTIONS*

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and half the onion. Cook it until starting to soften, then add the ground beef.
2. Cook the meat until it's totally browned, then drain the fat. Add the chili powder, paprika, cumin, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
3. Add the beans and hot water and stir. Reduce the heat to low and simmer while you prepare the other ingredients.
4. To make the pico de gallo, combine the other half of the onion with the tomato, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir it together and set it aside.
5. To build the nachos, place a layer of tortilla chips on a platter or plate. Top with a layer of the beef/bean mixture, then all but 1/4 cup of the cheddar cheese. Add another layer of chips, another layer of the beef/bean mixture, and the Monterey Jack cheese. Add a final small layer of chips, then a small layer of beef and beans, then a final sprinkling of cheddar.
6. Microwave in 45-second increments until the cheese is melted and bubbly. (You may also place the platter into a 325-degree oven if it's heatproof. Just leave it in until the cheese is melted.)
7. Immediately sprinkle on the diced avocado and plenty of pico de gallo.

 

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